10 Best: Fuchsia

AS WORKING theories of how to wear colour go, Barbara Cartland had a diverting one. Strong people like strong colour, beige people like beige, and no Englishwoman should wear beige or brown because it makes her look like a baked potato, the romantic novelist told The Observer in 1983. She, naturally, stuck to “Cartland pink” for most of her life, a shocking shade she wore head-to-toe – painted lips included. Take her as your muse for spring – vivid pink is enough to send shock waves through anyone’s winter wardrobe malaise. From Valentino’s body-swamping fuchsia cape-dress (styled with red tights and shoes) to Ralph Lauren Collection's tactile multi-pink proposition, to Balenciaga’s shrink-wrapped boots and shocking pink combo – brazen and head-to-toe is best. And for everyone else there’s Miu Miu’s divine velvet shoulder-bag. Shop Vogue’s edit of the best fuchsia pieces to buy immediately.